Follicular "miniaturization" in Androgenetic alopecia

What is follicular "miniaturization"?

Follicular miniaturization is a key part of the diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia. In androgenetic alopecia hair follicles get thinner and thinner over time. This occurs in both male androgenetic alopecia (sometimes called male pattern balding) and female hair loss (sometimes called female pattern hair loss)

Where on the scalp does miniaturization occur?

Miniaturization doesn't just occur anywhere. It initially occurs on the top of the scalp (vertex) and temples in men and middle of the scalp in women

Can one block this miniaturization process?

Medications like finasteride and minoxidil can help slow this process of miniaturization. In many cases non miniaturized hairs can be taken from the back of the scalp and moved into the areas of hair loss. This is the basis for a hair transplant.